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Six weeks ago the CDC announced an investigation into unexplained acute pulmonary illnesses being reported in dozens of people using e-cigarettes (see CDC Clinical Action: Unexplained Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illness).
Since then, we've followed a series of CDC announcements and guidance to the medical community designed to quantify the size and scope of this illness. Including:
CDC COCA Call - Severe Lung Illness Associated with Using E-Cigarette ProductsIn the wake of the growing alarm over reports of serious illness linked to e-cigs, several states (including Michigan, New York) have moved to ban flavored `vape juice', or - in the case of Massachusetts - e-cigs completely.
CDC MMWR Early Release: Acute Lung Injury LInked To Vaping
CDC : Outbreak Investigation & Telebriefing On Pulmonary Disease Linked To Vaping
Earlier this month the Federal government has announced their intent to ban `flavored' vape products that have a high appeal to a younger market. Exactly when these new restrictions will go into effect has yet to be announced.Yesterday afternoon the CDC updated their outbreak surveillance number, which have more than doubled over the past two weeks.
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
Español (Spanish)
Posted September 26, 2019 at 1:00pm ET
CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use.
- Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
- Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
- E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
- The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives.
- There have been 805* cases of lung injury reported from 46 states and 1 U.S. territory. Twelve deaths have been confirmed in 10 states.
- CDC has received complete sex and age data on 373 cases.
- Nearly three fourths (72%) of cases are male
- Two thirds (67%) of cases are 18 to 34 years old
- 16% of cases are under 18 years
- 38% of cases are in people under 21 years
- 17% are 35 years or older
- All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping.
- Based on initial data from certain states we know: Most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC. Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.
What we don’t know
- We do not yet know the specific cause of these lung injuries. The investigation has not identified any specific e-cigarette or vaping product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) or substance that is linked to all cases.
- CDC has released interim recommendations for healthcare providers, health departments, and the public.
- Until we know more, if you are concerned about these specific health risks, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette or vaping products.
- If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes.
- If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak see a healthcare provider.
- Regardless of the ongoing investigation:
- Anyone who uses an e-cigarette or vaping product should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) off the street, and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette products.
- Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette products.
- Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette products.
(Continue . . .)
Despite the negative publicity in the United States, in the UK vaping is still being touted by the NHS as a `healthier' alternative to smoking tobacco products (see PHE publishes independent expert e-cigarettes evidence review).
Although `vaping' is highly discouraged for non-smokers, the NHS e-cig website states:
E-cigarettes
An estimated 2.9 million adults in Great Britain currently use e-cigarettes and of these, 1.5 million people have completely stopped smoking cigarettes. They carry a fraction of the risk of cigarettes and can be particularly effective when combined with extra quitting support.
While it may take months or even years to unravel the cause - and the extent - of these `vaping-linked' lung injuries, increasingly it's looking like buying a vape shop might not be your best investment opportunity.
